Cellophane Tape Day

Cellophane Tape Day is an American holiday dedicated to cellophane tape. Thanks to this invention, we can easily connect objects, wrap items, form bouquets, seal boxes, and more. It is celebrated annually on May 27.

History

The exact origin of Cellophane Tape Day is unknown, but it honors this useful invention. Richard G. Drew is credited as the creator of cellophane tape. In 1920, while working for an automobile company, he developed an adhesive tape for cars.

Four years later, Drew turned his attention to a new material called cellophane. He aimed to use it to make adhesive tape for packaging products. The material’s key advantages were transparency and moisture resistance. Drew asked a painter from an automobile company to apply more adhesive to the cellophane tape, and this led to the invention of what is now commonly known as Scotch tape.

Interesting Facts

• The adhesive used in all types of tape is polymer-based, which prevents it from drying out. When tape is wound into a roll, the molecular forces are not strong enough to make the layers stick together firmly, which is why we can easily tear off pieces to use elsewhere.
• The popular TV show “Mythbusters” dedicated three full episodes to Scotch tape, testing a wide range of myths involving it!
• Since 2005, the town of Avon, Ohio has held a festival celebrating duct tape!

How to Celebrate

Learn more about the different types of tape available. Check your stationery supplies—you may need a new roll of cellophane tape.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask your followers how often they use tape in their daily lives!

When is Cellophane Tape Day in 2025?

Cellophane Tape Day is observed on May 27 each year.

Observations